Did you know the federal government has a program to pay for 75% of resiliency projects with a 25% local match? This split is 90%/10% for lower-income communities.
That’s right, the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program is back for 2021 and it’s better than before!
The estimated availability of BRIC money in 2021 is in the billions of dollars, a large increase from 2020 when the available BRIC funding was $500 million. The program is funded by a set-aside from post-disaster grant expenses.
Like the “R” in BRIC, the BRIC funding program is all about building resilient communities that are prepared for potential disasters. Wonder if you have a qualifying project for the BRIC program? Keep reading for more information.
What is BRIC?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is committed to pre-disaster mitigation. FEMA previously implemented and is continuing the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program. BRIC is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund. BRIC focuses not on reaction, but prevention, aimed at reducing risk by investing in public infrastructure projects before a disaster occurs.
FEMA continues to develop opportunities to build a more resilient nation, BRIC being one of those major initiatives. BRIC is an excellent opportunity for communities to receive funding for much-needed mitigation and prevention projects.
BRIC application reviews are happening now, so it’s time to get your project applications completed.
Projects Receiving BRIC Funding
A number of projects, likely some you may not consider a “mitigation” project, can be considered for BRIC funding. With the overall goal of creating a more resilient nation, BRIC-eligible projects should reduce the risk for future disasters.
Some project examples include:
- Flood studies
- Flood mitigation and barriers
- Resilient buildings and roofs
- Replacing traditional utility poles with underground utilities
- Reconstruction and relocation of structures
- Property acquisition that leads to mitigation efforts
- River-related hazard mitigation
…and so much more! This isn’t an all-inclusive list of projects that qualify for BRIC funding as there are many projects considered to be hazard mitigation projects.
Applicants for all 50 states, U.S. territories, District of Columbia, and federally recognized tribal governments are all eligible for BRIC funding. Sub-applicants include local governments, tribal governments, state agencies, and tribal agencies.
Reducing Risk through Hazard Mitigation + Innovation
The BRIC program aims to shift focus (and funding) away from reactive disaster actions and towards proactive investments in community and infrastructure resilience.
FEMA also anticipates much of the BRIC funding going towards projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to partnerships, such as shared funding mechanisms, and/or project design.
For example, an innovative project may bring multiple funding sources from both public and private entities. This shows innovation in funding and a range of stakeholder involvement.
According to FEMA, they will leverage BRIC as a way to invest in “a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects and community lifelines.”
What are community lifelines? Check out this PDF for community lifeline examples.
Source: fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/177222 lifelines@fema.dhs.gov
Get More Information on BRIC (and other funding!)
Not sure where to start with BRIC funding? We’re here to help. The grants and funding experts at ms consultants can help evaluate your next project.
We also have knowledge and access to numerous funding opportunities at the national, state, and local levels. We can find the right funding opportunity for your project.
If you have a project in mind or simply want to discuss if you should consider BRIC funding, ms consultants is here to help. Reach out to us at info@msconsultants.com.